$2 Million Investment to Support Climate-Smart Flock Management Across NSW and Victoria

Key messages

• A $2 million project will support more than 500 sheep producers across NSW and Victoria to adopt climate-smart flock management through demonstration sites, workshops and case studies.
• The initiative will showcase practical tools, including precision livestock technologies and improved grazing and nutrition practices, to support more informed on-farm decision-making.
• By bringing these approaches directly to farming communities, the project aims to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and support more sustainable, low-emissions sheep systems.

Sheep producers across NSW and Victoria facing increasing climate variability will benefit from a new $2 million project delivering demonstration sites, workshops and case studies showcasing climate-smart flock management. 

Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), in partnership with Riverine Plains, Holbrook Landcare Network, Monaro Farming Systems, Tablelands Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Birchip Cropping Group, and Agriculture Victoria, the initiative will engage more than 500 producers over the next three years.

The project will trial a range of precision livestock technologies including in-paddock livestock weighing and satellite-based pasture monitoring, which can provide producers with real-time insights into flock performance and feed availability.

Combined with strategic grazing and nutrition practices, these tools can support informed decisions on stocking rates and feed allocation, helping producers reduce methane emissions, improve soil health and water retention, enhance animal productivity, and build resilience in their businesses. 

CWFS Executive Officer Diana Fear said the project is an important opportunity to bring the latest innovations directly to farming communities. 

“Producers are keen to understand how new technologies and management strategies can work on their farms - but they need to see them in action locally,” Ms Fear said. “This project will establish demonstration sites across different farming systems, backed by workshops and extension activities that give producers the confidence to trial and adopt climate-smart practices themselves.” 

Ms Fear said CWFS and partners are committed to ensuring the project delivers practical, on-ground benefits.

“By combining demonstration with training and ongoing extension, we are creating a learning environment that reduces risk for producers and builds trust in new approaches,” she said. “Ultimately, we hope this project empowers producers to improve productivity and resilience while contributing to a low-emissions future for the sheep industry.” 

The project runs from October 2025 to June 2028 and is one of several initiatives funded nationally to equip farmers to respond and adapt to climate variability and drive more sustainable agricultural practices.

This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.